12-27-2008, 07:53 PM
Salvete,
What would be the best most authentic way to construct a flat, oval shield?
What wood did the Romans use? I've read the Doncaster shield was made out of three layers of planks, the central layer being oak and the outer layers alder.
Is there evidence for other wood?
I take it these shields would have been thicker in the center and get thinner towards the edges (about 5mm thick at the edges, judging from most edging finds).
Would the planing of the shield have been done after the three layer construction was made, or would pre-planed strips have been used?
Did the Romans ever use thick planks to make flat shields, instead of the three layered construction.
Valete,
What would be the best most authentic way to construct a flat, oval shield?
What wood did the Romans use? I've read the Doncaster shield was made out of three layers of planks, the central layer being oak and the outer layers alder.
Is there evidence for other wood?
I take it these shields would have been thicker in the center and get thinner towards the edges (about 5mm thick at the edges, judging from most edging finds).
Would the planing of the shield have been done after the three layer construction was made, or would pre-planed strips have been used?
Did the Romans ever use thick planks to make flat shields, instead of the three layered construction.
Valete,
